Raccoon

Scientific name: Procyon lotor

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Raccoons are stocky with dense, salt-and-pepper gray fur and a distinctive black facial mask. Males are notably larger and heavier than females; both have short, rounded ears, small eyes, and a heavily ringed black-and-gray tail.

Size and weight

Males: 7–12 kg, 55–65 cm body length. Females: 5–8 kg, 50–60 cm body length.

Habitat

Raccoons occupy diverse habitats including deciduous and mixed forests, wetlands, swamps, agricultural land, and urban/suburban areas. They prefer areas near water sources such as streams, marshes, and ponds, from sea level to approximately 2,000 m elevation.

Distribution

Raccoons range throughout North America from southern Canada through the continental United States to Central America and northern South America. They favor wooded areas near water but are increasingly common in suburban and urban environments.

Diet

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores eating crayfish, frogs, mussels, insects, small mammals, bird eggs, nuts, berries, and carrion; diet shifts seasonally toward plant matter in autumn and winter.

Behaviour

Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, raccoons are solitary or travel in small family groups. They den in tree cavities, rocky crevices, or burrows and are active year-round, though less mobile during harsh winters.

Hunting tips

Look for distinctive hand-like tracks (5 toes, forefoot ~6 cm wide) in mud or snow near water; droppings are often found in latrines on prominent objects. Approach quietly near dawn or dusk along waterways and forest edges; use a light and spotlight to locate eye-shine in trees or brush at night. Move slowly and stay downwind when possible, as raccoons have keen hearing and fair eyesight.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 11 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.